I recently took my 2011 E92 M3 to the dealer, due to a metallic tapping/cracking noise generated from the rear brake area. It sounded like similar to something brushing the rotor dust shield, but was a bit more “springy” in sound, and was directly related to the rotation of the drive train. The tech I talked with said he had seen several identical issues with new M3’s, and its cause was e-brake related. He found that cleaning and lubricating it fixed the problem. He did the work yesterday, and so far no more noise. But, since it was somewhat intermittent, I can’t yet say for sure it’s fixed, but if it remains quite for a couple of days, that may be conclusive of a remedy. I was curious if others have had or, may currently have a similar problem?

Thanks. I searched again and found a thread this time. Seems the resolution posted there confirms my tech's assumption of an e-brake issue; good to know. I ruled out the stone-behind-the-shield possibility first, and I knew it was not a differential noise, but I didn't think about the e-brake.

Thanks. I searched again and found a thread this time. Seems the resolution posted there confirms my tech's assumption of an e-brake issue; good to know. I ruled out the stone-behind-the-shield possibility first, and I knew it was not a differential noise, but I didn't think about the e-brake.

Good old pebbles in the brake shield

__________________

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What ceramic brakes? But in any case, that would certainly not cause the noise I experienced. I drove my car more today, still no noise, so it appears the tech was correct, and it was an e-brake issue. If your car has the same noise, and a tech told you it was ceramic brakes (which would have to be after-market), then you might consider another service provider. Any experienced mechanic would know that would not be the cause (again, if it is the same noise).